Soil Sensor Reader PRODUCT MANUAL Item # 6466
CONTENTS Basic Operation 3 Power Up/Down 3 Sensor Reader Modes 3 Taking Readings 5 Connecting Sensors 5 Calibrating The EC Sensor 6 Changing the Battery 7 Warranty This manual will familiarize you with the features and operation of your new Field Scout TM Soil Sensor Reader. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your instrument. For customer support, or to place an order, contact Spectrum Technologies, Inc. at: (800) 248-8873 or (815) 436-4440 between 7:30 am and 5:30 p.m. CST FAX (815) 436-4460 e-mail: info@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com 2
Basic Operation Power up/down The soil moisture sensor reader is powered on and off with the ON/OFF button. The meter will initially display the battery level and firmware version. It will then transition to sensor reading mode. The initial mode displayed will be the mode that was active when the meter was powered off. Sensor Reader Modes Press the SET button to advance the meter to the desired mode. The available mode settings are listed below. The first four modes are data measurement modes. The fifth mode is the meter s raw electronic (A/D) reading. The reader converts the raw electronic reading to measurement units using internal calibration constants. The sixth mode is for calibrating the EC circuit (see EC calibration, p. 6) 1. Spectrum Standard: For the SM100 and SMEC300, the volumetric water content for a mineral soil will be displayed on the first line. For the SMEC300, the EC will be displayed on the second line. 2. Spectrum Soilless: Similar to the Spectrum Standard mode except the VWC displayed is for soilless media. Sphagnum peat moss was used to develop the calibration constants for this mode. 25.8 %WC STANDARD Sample SM100 LCD screen 12.4 %WC 01.24 ms Sample SMEC300 LCD screen 3
3. Watermark: Displays the soil moisture tension in kpa. Reader must be connected to a WatchDog compatible Watermark sensor (see Watermark Sensors, p 5). 116.0 kp WatrMark Sample Watermark LCD Screen 4. Temperature: This mode is valid when a temperature sensor or an SMEC300 sensor is connected to the reader. 73 F 23C TEMP Sample Temperature LCD Screen 5. Raw AD: Raw electronic reading. 1082 AD Raw AD Sample Raw AD LCD Screen 6. EC calibration: Initiate EC calibration. CAL EC? Hold SET EC Calibration Initiation LCD Screen 4
Taking readings The display is dynamic and will be continually updated as conditions surrounding the sensor change. Because the meter automatically refreshes itself, occasionally you will notice that the LCD will spontaneously restart and display the initial power-up screen. This happens if a sensor is being inserted or withdrawn at the precise moment when the meter is taking a reading. This is normal and will not affect subsequent readings. Connecting Sensors WaterScout SM100 and SMEC300 Sensors Insert the 2.5mm stereo pin into the socket at the top of the meter. WaterMark Sensors If the sensor is a WatchDog-compatible model of the sensor (item numbers 6450WD or 6450WD20), the sensor can be plugged directly into the meter like a WaterScout sensor. If the sensor terminates in 2 green wires with circular leads, the sensor must be connected to a Watermark Adapter (item 6450ADPT). The adapter has a 2.5mm stereo pin which can then be connected to the meter. Note: Only one adapter per Soil Sensor Reader is necessary. 5
Calibrating the EC Sensor The EC sensor of the SMEC300 sensor has an internal constant that can be adjusted by the user to correct for sensor drift. To calibrate the sensor, you will need a container wide enough to accommodate the sensor and tall enough so the sensor can be immersed to the midway point of the sensor molding. Sensor Preparation Before starting the calibration procedure, the following preliminary steps are necessary to ensure the sensor is properly calibrated. 1. Because residual oils on the EC sensor pads, including oil from your fingers, will reduce the accuracy of the sensor, clean the sensor with rubbing alcohol. After cleaning the sensor, do not touch the pads with your fingers. 2. Allow the calibration solution to come to room temperature. You must calibrate with a solution with an EC of 1.41 ms/cm. It is important for the sensor and solution to be at the same temperature. Calibration Procedure 1. Pour clean calibration solution into the container. 2. Plug the sensor into the reader. 3. Immerse the sensor in the calibrating solution up to second mark on the molding. This ensures the sensor s internal thermistor is below the liquid level. Take care that the EC sensor pads are not touching the side of the container. 4. Set reader to CAL EC mode (see p.4). 5. Press and hold the SET button for 5 seconds. The LCD will count down the time. When the calibration is complete, the sensor will transition to Standard Spectrum mode (see p.3). If the SET button is released before the calibration is complete, the internal sensor constant will 6
not be modified and this step should be repeated. 6. Disconnect the sensor plug. 7. Rinse and dry the sensor. Take care not to touch the EC sensor pads with your fingers. 8. Store the sensor in plastic bag until you are ready to install it in the field. Changing the Battery The Field Scout Soil Sensor Reader uses a standard 9V battery. To change the battery: 1. Slide open the door on the back of the meter. 2. Remove the old battery from the compartment, and insert the new battery. Be sure to orient the battery to match the image on the bottom of the compartment. 3. Place the battery cover on the case and slide it closed. WARRANTY This product is warranted to be free from defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period Spectrum will, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper installation or use, lightning, negligence, accident, or unauthorized modifications, or to incidental or consequential damages beyond the Spectrum product. Before returning a failed unit, you must obtain a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) from Spectrum. Spectrum is not responsible for any package that is returned without a valid RMA number or for the loss of the package by any shipping company. 7
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Spectrum Technologies, Inc. 12360 S. Industrial Dr. East Plainfield, IL 60585 USA Model Numbers: 6465 Description: Soil Moisture Sensor Reader Type: Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use The undersigned hereby declares, on behalf of Spectrum Technologies, Inc. of Plainfield, Illinois, USA, that the above referenced product, to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the provisions of: Directive: 2004/108/EC Standards: EN 61326-1:2006 EN 61000-4-2:1995, including A1:1998 and A2:2001 EN 61000-4-3:2002 EN 55011:2007 Douglas L. Kieffer, Soil/Water Products Manager February 27, 2009 12360 S. Industrial Dr. E Plainfield IL 60585 (800) 248-8873 or (815) 436-4440 Fax (815) 436-4460 E-Mail: info@specmeters.com www.specmeters.com R 9/12